магаре
magare[ˈmaɡaɾɛ]neuter
The English word 'donkey' is translated into Macedonian as магаре (magare).
магаре refers to the domestic animal. Much like in English, calling someone a магаре is used as an insult to imply they are stupid or stubborn.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun магаре takes the suffix –то to form the definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
magare
Did you know?
- In Macedonian folklore, the магаре is often portrayed as a symbol of patience and hardworking humility, contrasting with its use as an insult for stupidity.
- The word is part of a wider Balkan linguistic substrate, meaning its origins predate the official arrival of many modern Balkan languages in the region.
- In Macedonian, calling someone a магаре in a playful or affectionate tone among close friends can sometimes be a sign of intimacy rather than a harsh insult.
Examples in context
- Тоа е не коњ туку магаре.That's not a horse, it's a donkey.Tatoeba #4063368 by Lepotdeterre, translation #4008936 by JSakuragi
- Ме навреди со тоа што ме нарече магаре.He insulted me by calling me a donkey.This sentence shows how calling someone a магаре can be used as an insult.Tatoeba #4063364 by Lepotdeterre, translation #298089 by CK
- Го знам магарено! Го имам видено и претходно.I know that donkey! I have seen him before.Tatoeba #4063367 by Lepotdeterre, translation #2733035 by Hybrid
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ivan and Marija are walking in a rural village.
- Иван IvanПогледни, Марија, едно магаре!Pogledni, Marija, edno magare!Look, Marija, a donkey!
- Марија MarijaДа, многу е слатко.Da, mnogu e slatko.Yes, it is very cute.
- Иван IvanДали е твоето магаре?Dali e tvoeto magare?Is that your donkey?
- Марија MarijaНе, тоа не е наше.Ne, toa ne e naše.No, that is not ours.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries магаре, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
